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The Coronation of King Charles III is still seven months away but controversy over the historic event is already building. From dodgy diamonds and a clash with his grandson’s birthday to a cut-down ceremony, CLAUDIA CONNELL offers a unique A-Z guide to the pomp, pageantry . . . and slightly potty things we can expect at Westminster Abbey.
Ampulla
During the Coronation, Charles will be anointed with Holy Oil. But this is the King we’re talking about, so he can’t just be drizzled on like a lettuce leaf. Instead, the oil will be poured from a vessel called the Ampulla (pictured). It’s in the shape of a golden eagle designed in 1661 by royal goldsmith Sir Robert Vyner, the head is removable and there’s an opening in the beak for pouring — a bit like one half of a very fancy, 400-year-old oil and vinegar set.
During the Coronation, Charles will be anointed with Holy Oil. But this is the King we’re talking about, so he can’t just be drizzled on like a lettuce leaf. Instead, the oil will be poured from a vessel called the Ampulla (pictured)
Ambergris
A grey, wax-like material, ambergris is one of the ingredients used in the anointing oil. It passes through the digestive systems of one per cent of the world’s sperm whales and is even rarer than a successful Tory ‘mini-budget’.
Bowing
As part of her crowning ceremony Camilla, the Queen Consort, is required to ‘bow in reverence’ to her husband. The idea of a woman, in 2023, having to bow to her husband will not go down well with the woke brigade, who’ll probably need to go on a course afterwards. But, from Camilla’s point of view, it’s probably easier than placating him over a leaky pen.
Bath
The very first coronation recorded wasn’t held in London at all — but in Bath — where King Edgar was crowned in 973.
Should Charles have chosen to recreate this ritual for old time’s sake, he would have received the blessing of the true Queen of Bath, Mary Berry — a native of the city —who’d no doubt have been delighted to whip up a few cream horns and French fancies for the party afterwards.
Civet Cats
As well as ambergris, the anointing oil also contains a substance from the glands of civet cats. Animal rights campaigners say the endangered African cats (pictured) are often kept in appalling conditions and that the extraction process is cruel — crueller than traditional royal pastimes such as stalking deer and blasting pheasants and partridges with a shotgun. They’ve called for Charles to omit the civet oil from the recipe — would eight out of ten members of the public agree?
As well as ambergris, the anointing oil also contains a substance from the glands of civet cats. Animal rights campaigners say the endangered African cats (pictured) are often kept in appalling conditions and that the extraction process is cruel
Duke of Norfolk
Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the recently knighted Duke of Norfolk, is the man who won plaudits for his organisation of the Queen’s funeral. In his role as Earl Marshal, he’ll also oversee the King’s Coronation . . . and likely rack up a record Uber bill in the process.
The Duke received a six-month driving ban last month after jumping a red light and using his phone at the wheel. Worth £100 million, his claims of ‘exceptional hardship’ if he lost his licence were not accepted by the magistrates.
Edward’s Crown
The crowning with the St Edward’s Crown (valued at £4.5 million) will be the centrepiece of the Coronation. Many monarchs, including Victoria, have refused to wear it due to its hefty 5lb weight. But a 22-carat gold crown (pictured) decorated in 440 precious and semi-precious stones, was always going to be a bit of a headache.
The crowning with the St Edward’s Crown (valued at £4.5 million) will be the centrepiece of the Coronation. Many monarchs, including Victoria, have refused to wear it due to its hefty 5lb weight. But a 22-carat gold crown (pictured) decorated in 440 precious and semi-precious stones, was always going to be a bit of a headache
Enthronement
After the crowning, the monarch is ‘lifted’ onto the throne by the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as other bishops and peers. In reality it’s more of a firm manhandling than a lift, so don’t expect to see the King’s feet dangling mid-air, Ann Widdecombe ‘Strictly’ style.
Fourth Finger
Sometimes called ‘the nation’s wedding ring’, the Sovereign ring (pictured right), featuring diamonds, sapphire and rubies is placed on the fourth or ring finger of the right hand of the monarch as a symbol of ‘kingly dignity’. There wasn’t much dignity for poor Queen Victoria, whose specially designed ring was mistakenly made for her little finger. The Archbishop had to force it onto her fourth finger, which she described as ‘very painful’. Let’s hope the makers of Charles’ ring take his ‘sausage fingers’ into consideration.
Sometimes called ‘the nation’s wedding ring’, the Sovereign ring (pictured right), featuring diamonds, sapphire and rubies is placed on the fourth or ring finger of the right hand of the monarch as a symbol of ‘kingly dignity’
Gold Ingots
One of the ancient traditions the King is said to have scrapped is the presentation of gold ingots. These wedges, weighing a pound, have previously been presented to the monarch and then displayed at the altar of Westminster Abbey. But there’s a concern it may be in bad taste — a bit like a delivery of a plastic bag of cash.
Guest list
While 8,000 attended the Queen’s coronation, only 2,000 are expected at the King’s. The temporary seating platforms erected in 1953 would never get past health and safety today. Unlike the Queen’s lying in state, there’s no opportunity for queue jumping.
While 8,000 attended the Queen’s coronation, only 2,000 are expected at the King’s. Pictured at the State Opening of Parliament in 2019
Heels
The golden spurs — nothing to do with football teams — have been part of the Coronation regalia since 1139 and the days of Richard the Lionheart. Traditionally the spurs were fastened to the new sovereign’s feet but since the Restoration they’ve just been presented and held at the heels of the sovereign — like a very regal version of shoe shopping.
Hour-long
Will the formerly three-hour ceremony really be cut to the length of the average washing machine cycle? Word is the King wants it drastically shortened, meaning no Portaloos will be needed.
Ivory
Just wait until William clocks some of the regalia. As a passionate anti-ivory campaigner, he’ll no doubt be horrified at the sight of Camilla’s Queen Consort sceptre — an ivory rod topped by a dove, made for James II’s wife Mary in 1685. Then there’s Westminster Abbey’s Ivory Cross, carved from a tusk presented in 1924 by emperor Haile Selassie.
Surely the equivalent of a 20-something going through their parents’ LP collection, and finding a Gary Glitter ‘greatest hits’ LP.
The Coronation Regalia is housed in the Jewel House, a secure vault within the Tower of London, which is cleared out on the morning of the ceremony when the jewels are taken to the Abbey
Jewel House
The Coronation Regalia is housed in the Jewel House, a secure vault within the Tower of London, which is cleared out on the morning of the ceremony when the jewels are taken to the Abbey. At the end of the Coronation, Charles will wear the Imperial State Crown, made of gold, silver and platinum and bearing 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires and 11 emeralds. As he processes out, he’ll be carrying the Sceptre with the Cross, which contains the 530-carat Cullinan diamond, and the hollow gold Sovereign’s Orb.
Camilla was expected to be crowned with the Queen Mother’s Crown, which features this 105 carat diamond, one of the largest in the world. However, India, where the stone (pictured) originated, as well as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, have all laid claim to it
Koh-I-Noor
Camilla was expected to be crowned with the Queen Mother’s Crown, which features this 105 carat diamond, one of the largest in the world. However, India, where the stone (pictured) originated, as well as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, have all laid claim to it. But it looks as though diplomatically, Camilla will go for a less controversial headpiece.
King Edward chair
High-backed, Gothic and horribly uncomfortable, the Coronation Chair was made around 1300 for King Edward I and it’s where King Charles will sit when he is crowned. Look closely and you’ll see it’s covered in graffiti. One tourist scratched ‘P Abbott slept in this chair 5-6 July 1800’ — the Banksy of the Georgian era perhaps?
High-backed, Gothic and horribly uncomfortable, the Coronation Chair was made around 1300 for King Edward I and it’s where King Charles will sit when he is crowned
Liber Regalis
Latin for ‘the royal book’, it provides details of the order of ceremonies from the 14th century until Elizabeth I. Thanks to the Liber Regalis we know that kings used to be publicly bathed, wearing nothing but a pair of socks — the sort of thing we save for Love Island nowadays.
Linen tunic
During the ceremony the King will don a plain white linen tunic called the colobium sindonis, Latin for ‘shroud tunic’. This is to demonstrate purity before God and show the monarch has eschewed worldly vanity . . . before dressing in a gold robe and riding away in a golden carriage.
Music
It’s expected the King will want to focus on British composers, meaning Bridal March of the Birds from Parry’s The Birds of Aristophanes could be a contender. But the Three Degrees, of whom Charles is a fan, are unlikely to make the cut.
Medal
Coronation medals are expected to be awarded as personal mementos to members of the Royal Family, Armed Forces, government officials, mayors and public servants. Expected to be made from silver at the Royal Mint, the medals (Elizabeth II’s is pictured below) are likely to feature a crowned effigy of Charles on one side and his new royal cypher — featuring an intertwined C, R and III — on the reverse. Expect to find them on eBay from May 7.
Coronation medals are expected to be awarded as personal mementos to members of the Royal Family, Armed Forces, government officials, mayors and public servants. Expected to be made from silver at the Royal Mint, the medals (Elizabeth II’s is pictured below) are likely to feature a crowned effigy of Charles on one side and his new royal cypher
Nathan the Prophet
Perhaps not the most familiar of prophets but next May he’s going to be name-checked by the Archbishop of Canterbury in front of millions of TV viewers around the world. During the anointing of the King, the Archbishop will recall ‘as Solomon was anointed King by Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet.’
Oil
We know about the sperm whale wax and the African cat oil, but what else goes into the Holy Oil that the King will be anointed with? Thankfully the rest of the ingredients are less controversial. Based on the recipe used by Charles II, it’s a blend of olive oil, rose, jasmine, orange flowers, cinnamon musk and benzoin.
Portrait
It is traditional for new monarchs to sit for official photographs in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait was taken by royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton. It’s not known who will take the new King’s photograph, but if they really wanted to save money he could opt for a selfie.
Queen Consort
It’s not all about the King — Camilla will also be crowned Queen next May alongside her husband, anointed with Holy Oil immediately after the homage part of the King’s ceremony. The Queen’s Ring will be place on her finger and she’ll wear a specially commissioned white Coronation Gown.
It’s not all about the King — Camilla will also be crowned Queen next May alongside her husband, anointed with Holy Oil immediately after the homage part of the King’s ceremony
Robes
If he sticks with tradition, Charles will have more costume changes than Kylie. He’ll start in the Robe of State — also known as the Parliament Robe — which has a long, crimson velvet train adorned with delicate gold lace.
During the investiture, he puts on the impressive sounding Supertunica (his mother, right, pictured in hers), a long flowing coat of golden silk with expansive sleeves, decorated with the national symbols of the United Kingdom and fastened with a gold buckle featuring roses, thistles and shamrocks. On top of this, Charles will wear the Royal Robe, donned at the moment of crowning and embroidered with national symbols in silver thread. Finally, Charles will retreat to St Edward’s Chapel, remove the previous robes and put on the Imperial Robe, a 6.5-metre purple silk velvet robe, with a lustrous ermine cape.
During the investiture, he puts on the impressive sounding Supertunica (his mother, right, pictured in hers), a long flowing coat of golden silk with expansive sleeves, decorated with the national symbols of the United Kingdom and fastened with a gold buckle featuring roses, thistles and shamrocks
Stone of Destiny
It sounds like something out of Game Of Thrones, and to the untrained eye it may resemble a lump of concrete, but this large, buff-coloured sandstone (pictured) plays a key part in coronations. It was used in the inauguration of Scottish kings for years, until it was seized by Edward I and built into the King Edward Chair. It was returned to the Scots in 1996 but they let us borrow it for special occasions.
It sounds like something out of Game Of Thrones, and to the untrained eye it may resemble a lump of concrete, but this large, buff-coloured sandstone (pictured) plays a key part in coronations
Tower of London
Having had most of its jewels cleaned out for the day, the Tower of London will celebrate the crowning of the new king with a 62-gun salute: 21 to mark the royal occasion, 20 for the Tower as a Royal Palace and 21 for the City of London.
Uh oh! It’s Archie’s Birthday
It wouldn’t be a royal occasion without some Duke and Duchess of Sussex controversy. The Coronation will take place on the fourth birthday of their son Archie (pictured with Meghan). Did the Palace forget? Will it be taken as a snub by the Sussexes? It’s too early to know if Harry and Meghan will attend but if they don’t fancy it then ‘sorry, we’ll be too busy ordering staff to blow up balloons,’ is the perfect excuse.
It wouldn’t be a royal occasion without some Duke and Duchess of Sussex controversy. The Coronation will take place on the fourth birthday of their son Archie (pictured with Meghan)
Vivat!
The first commoners to acclaim the newly crowned sovereign will be the scholars of Westminster School (although with fees of around £32k a year they won’t be that common.) As the crown is placed on the King’s head they will cry ‘Vivat Rex’, (Latin for ‘long live the king’) three times.
William
As the first adult heir to the throne to attend a Coronation in three generations, the Prince of Wales will have a prominent role in the ceremony. It is likely he will be the King’s liege man and pledge allegiance to the monarch, just as the Duke of Edinburgh did to the Queen in 1953.
Witan
The first stage of the ceremony — the recognition — dates back to the ancient procedures of the Witan, the supreme council of England in Anglo-Saxon times. Meaning ‘wise men’, the Witan elected and approved the new king — and got rid of him if he didn’t measure up.
X marks the spot
When the King is anointed with Holy Oil he’ll be officially given the Royal X Factor. A cross will be traced in oil on his hands, head and heart.
Yeomen Warders
The Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, will form a colourful guard of honour inside the annexe of the Abbey on Coronation Street.
Zoroastrianism
As King, Charles is ‘defender of the faith’ but in keeping with his wishes to modernise and diversify the monarchy, he wishes to embrace all religions.
He is said to have a special affinity for Zoroastrianism, an Iranian religion based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster. Malcom Deboo represented the Zoroastrian community at the Queen’s funeral and may have a more prominent role in the King’s Coronation.
- Additional reporting: Sarah Rainey
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